Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis refers to numerous types of infections that can affect the vulva and vaginal area. Causes of vulvovaginitis include yeast, bacteria, parasites STDs and other viruses. If you have symptoms of vulvovaginitis like odor, discharge, itching, rash or pain in the vagina, you should call your doctor. You will want to make sure that you are treated for this condition, as it does not always go away on its own.

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Lichen sclerosus, or LS, is a dermatological condition that primarily affects the genital area. It mainly impacts postmenopausal women, but about 7 percent to 14 percent of cases happen in girls who haven't had their period. Men sometimes get it and, rarely, children. When the skin lesions first appear, they're small, shiny, white and smooth. They grow larger over time, causing cracking and abrasions on the skin. Eventually, they thin the skin, leaving it crinkly, white and at risk of tearing. The itching can be very intense, causing cracks that increase the risk of infection and can even cause scarring that can interfere with urination or sex. LS is usually treated with high-potency corticosteroid creams or ointments that relieve symptoms and keep the condition from getting worse.

There are a number of treatments available to prepubescent vulvovaginitis which depend on the cause of the infection. The most common treatments of bacterial or fungal infections include prescribed oral medication or topical medication. Examples of topical medication include antifungal drugs, antibacterial drugs, creams, ointments, or cortisone creams. If the infection was caused by an allergic reaction, antihistamines may help reduce allergy symptoms. It is also crucial to practice healthier genital hygiene habits during treatment and afterwards. These habits may include wiping from front to back when using the bathroom, washing hands more frequently, or taking a special type of bath called a sitz bath. A sitz bath involves soaking the hips and buttocks in warm water for at least 15 minutes, and is typically used as a cleanser treatment for hemorrhoids and vaginal or other genital infections. A tablespoon of baking soda added to the sitz bath may be soothing and cleansing.

Over the counter medications can treat some cases of prepubescent vulvovaginitis, specifically those caused by a fungal infection (candidal vulvovaginitis) and those caused by an allergic reaction. Doctors recommend that you purchase over the counter medication only after receiving a correct diagnosis for candidal vulvovaginitis (also known as a yeast infection) to prevent adverse side effects or a waste of your money. The most common example of over the counter medications for candidal vulvovaginitis are anti-fungals such as ticonazole (Monistat-1) and miconazole (Monistat-7, Vagistat-3). If the cause of prepubescent vulvovaginitis is a reaction to certain chemicals or substances, allergy medications like antihistamines can be taken to reduce symptoms and the chemicals or substances should be avoided.

Trichomonal vulvovaginitis is a relatively common sexually transmitted disease, especially among pregnant women. In fact, an estimated 80,000 pregnant women in the United States are affected by trichomoniasis annually. This disease is especially dangerous in pregnancy because many women do not experience symptoms. If unrecognized and untreated, trichomoniasis can cause complications such as premature delivery, low birth weight (a baby under five pounds), or a premature rupture of the membranes. Pregnant women can also spread an infection of trichomoniasis to their fetus while it travels through the birth canal. Research on the effects of medical treatment on pregnant mothers is uncertain, although some studies show that the use of the drug metronidazole may even increase the chance of premature delivery. Ask your doctor about testing and treatment options for trichomonal vulvovaginitis.

Vaginitis is a very common disease, which is characterized by an inflammation or infection of the vagina. Vaginitis can be further classified as inflammation of solely the vulva, which is called vulvitis, or inflammation of the vulva as well as inflammation of the rest of the vagina, which is called vulvovaginitis. The vulva can be defined as the external portions of the vagina, including the inner and outer lips (labia majora and labia minora), the vaginal opening and the area surrounding it (vestibule), the urinary opening, and the skin between the vagina and the anus (perineum). Vulvovaginitis is common in women of all ages, and is the leading gynecological disease diagnosed in girls who have not yet reached puberty. Although vulvovaginitis can cause irritation, itching, and a vaginal discharge, it can typically be treated with medication or a topical cream.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis is a very common disease in children, which is characterized by an inflammation of the vagina and vulva due to environmental factors. The vulva can be defined as the external portions of the vagina, including the inner and outer lips (labia majora and labia minora), the vaginal opening and the area surrounding it (vestibule), the urinary opening, and the skin between the vagina and the anus (perineum). Nonspecific vulvovaginitis is usually caused by poor hygiene, harsh soaps, or foreign matter (usually toilet paper) in the vagina. Although nonspecific vulvovaginitis can cause irritation, itching, and a vaginal discharge, it can typically be treated with medication or a topical cream; if foreign matter, harsh soaps, or other irritants are causing or complicating the problem they should be avoided.

The thinning (atrophy) of the vaginal tissue that causes symptoms of estrogen deficient vulvovaginitis can increase your risk of infections. This can be very serious, as postmenopausal women with atrophic vulvovaginitis also have a higher risk for contracting infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, or AIDS. For these reasons women with vulvovaginitis may be encouraged to use condoms during sexual intercourse; however, depending on the cause of the condition, condoms may cause discomfort and worsen symptoms, and may not be needed in a mutually monogamous relationship. Doctors recommend water-based lubricants, as petroleum jelly lubrication can increase risk of infection and irritation, and may jeopardize latex condom integrity if using. The symptoms of estrogen deficient vulvovaginitis can also increase a woman's risk for urinary complications, such as urinary tract infections and trouble urinating.

In order to diagnose a case of trichomonal vulvovaginitis, doctors will do a physical examination and test a sample of fluid from either the vagina or penis. In the physical examination, your doctor will check for symptoms of trichomonal vulvovaginitis, such as a heavy vaginal discharge, vaginal redness, or even sores on the walls of your vagina. Doctors can also take a sample of either vaginal or penile fluid and examine it under a microscope. From there, they can easily detect the presence of the protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis.

Prepubescent vulvovaginitis is a common disease, which is characterized by an inflammation (irritation, itching) of the vagina and vulva occurring in girls who have not yet reached puberty. The vulva can be defined as the external portions of the vagina, including the outer and inner lips (labia majora and labia minora), the vaginal opening and the area surrounding it (vestibule), the urinary opening, and the skin between the vagina and the anus (perineum). Vaginitis is the leading gynecological disease diagnosed in girls who have not yet reached puberty. Although prepubescent vulvovaginitis can cause irritation, itching, and a vaginal discharge, it can typically be treated with medication or a topical cream.